Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM's address at the foundation stone laying ceremony of various projects of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur, Gujarat
Namaskar!
Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel, Shri Rakesh ji, who is making relentless efforts to give shape to the ideas of Shrimad Rajchandra ji, my colleague in Parliament Shri C.R. Patil ji, Ministers of Gujarat, all the dignitaries present in this virtuous program, ladies and gentlemen!
It is written in our scriptures:
सहजीवती गुणायस्य, धर्मो यस्य जीवती।
That is one whose virtues and duties sustain, he lives and remains immortal. One whose deeds are immortal, his energy and inspiration continue to serve the society for generations.
Today's program of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur is a symbol of this eternal spirit. Today, the Multispecialty Hospital has been inaugurated and the foundation stone of Animal Hospital has been laid. Along with this, the construction work of Center of Excellence for Women is also beginning today. This will greatly benefit the villagers, the poor and the tribal communities of Gujarat, especially our friends, mothers and sisters of South Gujarat. I would like to thank Rakesh ji, for this entire mission and all the devotees for these modern facilities.
Today, when I see such a huge number of people in Dharampur, it was in my mind that I will get an opportunity to listen to what Rakesh ji has to say, but he made a very brief address. He remembered Ranchoddas Modi ji. I am quite familiar with this area. Years ago, I lived among all of you, sometimes in Dharampur or Siddhpur. I used to live in the midst of all of you and today when I see such a huge multitude of developments and so much enthusiasm of the people, I feel happy that people from Mumbai are coming here and are engaged in service. People come here from every corner of Gujarat. People also come here from abroad. Like a silent servant, Shrimad Rajchandra ji had planted the seeds of social devotion which are turning into banyan trees today. We can experience this.
Friends,
I have a long association with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission. I have seen your social work so closely that my heart is filled with respect for all of you. Today, when the country is celebrating ‘Amrit Mahotsav’, 75 years of independence, we need this sense of duty the most. If we try to return even a fraction of what we have got from this holy land, then the society changes more rapidly. I am very happy that Shrimad Rajchandra Mission under the leadership of reverend Gurudev is doing commendable work in the field of rural health in Gujarat. This commitment to serve the poor will be further strengthened by this new hospital. This hospital and research center is going to provide modern facilities in the rural area, making the best treatment accessible to all. It is going to strengthen the country’s vision for a healthy India in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. It is going to strengthen the spirit of ‘Sabka Prayas’  in the field of health.
Friends,
During Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the nation is remembering its children, who made efforts to liberate India from servitude. Shrimad Rajchandraji was one such saint, a man of knowledge with long foresightedness, whose great contribution is recorded in the history of this country. It is unfortunate that we lost this stalwart early who introduced the true power of India to the country and the world.
Revered Mahatma Gandhi has himself said that we may have to take many births, but one birth is enough for Shrimad. You can imagine the thoughts which influenced Mahatma Gandhi whom we see today as a guiding light in the world. Revered Bapu used to get inspiration from Shrimad Rajchandra ji for his spiritual consciousness. I think the country is very indebted to Rakesh ji, who has continued the flow of knowledge of Shrimad Rajchandra ji. And today Rakesh ji has this holy vision of building a hospital and yet he has dedicated this project to Ranchoddas Modi. It is the nobility of Rakesh ji. Such personalities who have dedicated their lives for the poor underprivileged tribal communities of the society are awakening the consciousness of the country.
Friends,
The upcoming Center of Excellence for Women is another important step towards enriching the skills of tribal sisters and daughters to make their lives more prosperous. Shrimad Rajchandra ji has been very passionate about the empowerment of daughters through education and skills. He spoke seriously on women empowerment at a very young age. In one of his poems, he writes-
उधारे करेलू बहु, हुमलो हिम्मत धरी
वधारे-वधारे जोर, दर्शाव्यू खरे
सुधारना नी सामे जेणे
कमर सींचे हंसी,
नित्य नित्य कुंसंबजे, लाववा ध्यान धरे
तेने काढ़वा ने तमे नार केड़वणी आपो
उचालों नठारा काढ़ों, बीजाजे बहु नड़े।
It means that daughters should be educated for rapid improvement in society and we can remove the evils in the society quickly. He encouraged women to take part in the freedom movement as well. It can be seen clearly in Gandhi's Satyagrahas, where there used to be a great participation of women. It is the responsibility of all of us to bring to the fore the women power of the country in the form of nation power during the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. Today, the central government is trying to remove every obstacle that the sisters and daughters face and which prevents them from moving forward. When the society and people like you join in these efforts, then rapid change is bound to take place and the country is experiencing this change today.
Friends,
India’s health policy revolves around the health of every living being around us. India is running a nation-wide vaccination campaign for human beings as well as for animals. About 120 million vaccine doses have been given to all the animals, including cows and buffaloes, to prevent foot and mouth disease. Out of this, about 90 lakh vaccine doses have been administered in Gujarat itself. Along with modern facilities of treatment, prevention of diseases is equally important. I am happy that Shrimad Rajchandra Mission is also empowering these efforts.
Friends,
The life of Shrimad Rajchandra ji is a proof of how both spirituality and social responsibility are complementary to each other. He integrated the spirit of spirituality and social service. He strengthened this spirit and therefore his influence is deep in every aspect, whether it is spiritual or social. His efforts are more relevant in today's era. In the 21st century, the new generation promises a bright future. There are many new opportunities, challenges and responsibilities before this generation. This young generation has the will power for innovation. Guidance of organizations like you will help them to walk fast on the path of duty. I am sure that Shrimad Rajchandra Mission will continue to enrich this campaign of national thinking and service.
I would like to emphasize two things in this program. One, we are currently running a campaign of precaution dose for Corona. For those who have received two doses of vaccines, a campaign is going on to give the third vaccine free of cost for 75 days across the country on the occasion of the 75th year of independence. I request all the elders present here, to my friends and to my tribal brothers and sisters to take this precaution dose very soon if not taken so far. The government is also running this 75-day campaign to give the third dose free of cost. You must take advantage of this and we all should carry this forward. We should take care of ourselves, our family members and also our villages, mohallas and areas. It would have given immense pleasure to me had I got the opportunity to visit Dharampur personally, because I have had close relations with many families of Dharampur. But I could not come due to lack of time and therefore I am talking to you through video conference. I am also very grateful to Rakesh ji, who facilitated this event through the video conference. But I will be very happy to visit this hospital whenever I get an opportunity to go there. I came here many years ago and there is a long gap in between, but when I come again, I will definitely meet you all. I wish you all the best. May the fragrance of the upcoming Center for Excellence spread day by day and reach every nook and corner of the country. Thank you very much.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi and Gujarati.